Toxic algal blooms clearing up along the Hudson River

KINGSTON, N.Y. (NEWS10) -- A harmful algae bloom-- or H-A-B -- is starting to clear up along the Hudson River after a stretch of late summer heat and drought conditions led to unusual growth. NEWS10's Amber Fisher spoke with a water quality scientist in about what caused the bloom.

Toxic algal blooms — also known as H-A-B's — are patches of cyanobacteria. These bacteria are naturally present in most waters, but high temperatures, still conditions, and excess nutrients can cause them to grow out of control.

Julian Damashek, Water Quality Scientist with Riverkeeper, said that there was a reason the bloom was so concerning. "There are a few drinking water treatment plants right along the river here, too, that pull water from the river. So, the main concern was that we wanted to be sure that